New signing Ramses Bustos scored twice as Buriram United beat 10-man SCG Muang Thong United 2-0 in the King's Trophy match at Supachalasai Stadium yesterday.
Buriram United players celebrate with the King’s Trophy at Supachalasai Stadium.
Chilean Bustos was on target in the fifth and 82nd minutes in an ill-tempered match, which saw Muang Thong's Mongkol Namnuad sent off and several other players booked.
The match pitted the Thai Premier League champions against the FA Cup winners in the traditional game just before the new season begins.
After Muang Thong striker Teerasil Dangda came close to scoring, the FA Cup champions went ahead with a Bustos volley, which beat stand-in goalkeeper Weera Kerdputsa.
In the first 20 minutes, South Korean referee Kim Sang-Woo booked three players _ Muang Thong's Teerasil and Panupong Wongsa, along with Buriram's Carmelo Gonzalez.
Five minutes before half-time, Weera, who played in place of the injured Kawin Thamsatchanan, pulled off a brilliant save from Anawin Jujeen's strike.
In the second half, Buriram's Macedonian striker Mario Gjurovski watched his free-kick go just wide as the Thunder Castle threatened to take complete control.
The Thai Premier League champions were reduced to 10 men in the 60th minute when Mongkol received his second yellow card.
Bustos then beat an off-side trap and sent the ball past Weera, only for it to hit the bar.
Buriram sealed the match with eight minutes to go when Bustos tapped in Teerathorn Bunmathon's cross.
"It is a good start for the new season," Buriram coach Attapol Bussapakom said.
On Tuesday, Buriram will travel to Japan's Vegalta Sendai, while Muang Thong host Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of South Korea in the AFC Champions League.
The Thai Premier League season opens next weekend.